North Carolina has been a popular retirement destination among active adults because of its beautiful four-season climate, proximity to cultural and urban attractions, healthcare facilities, and diverse landscapes. Plus, the Tar Heel State is also known for having a wide selection of active adult communities with beautiful golf courses that attract retirees who want to spend their golden years hitting the links.
These stunning golf course communities also provide retirees with numerous world-class amenities, quality home designs, and an exciting social scene. If you’re looking to retire in an active adult community that features a lush golf course, then check out these five awesome golf course communities in North Carolina.
1. Brunswick Forest — Leland, NC
High $300s – Low $1Ms
Brunswick Forest is an expansive 8,000-home active lifestyle community in Leland, NC. This scenic coastal community is spread across 4,500 acres and home to the Cape Fear National Golf Course. Residents have access to the public 18-hole championship course, which is one of the most distinguished courses in the coastal area of North Carolina.
The course was designed to impress and challenge golfers of every skill level, which makes it convenient for first-time players and avid golfers. Homeowners also have access to the 7,000-square-foot clubhouse that features an indoor and outdoor dining area, a pro shop, and locker rooms.
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2. St. James Plantation – Southport, NC
Low $200s – Mid $1Ms
This gated golf course community in Southport, NC offers residents numerous amenities that will keep them active and social any day of the week. Some of the stand-out amenities at this lavish active lifestyle community are the four unique golf courses with a total of 81 holes.
These four championship courses are spread across the community’s coastal landscape and designed by renowned golf course architects such as Nicklaus Design, P.B. Dye, Hale Irwin, and Tim Cate. These elite private courses are highly acclaimed in North Carolina and membership gives residents full access to all four.
Residents can enjoy golf year-round thanks to the area’s mild climate as well as all of the benefits, such as practice greens, driving ranges, professional staff, pro shops, clinics, and tournaments.
Request more information about St. James Plantation.
3. Ocean Ridge Plantation – Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Low $300s – High $900s
Ocean Ridge Plantation is a premier golf course community in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, home to the nationally recognized Big Cats golf courses. There are five distinct courses for residents to choose from: Tiger’s Eye Golf Course, Panther’s Run Golf Course, Lion’s Paw Golf Course, Leopard’s Chase Golf Course, and Jaguar’s Lair Golf Course.
Each course offers 18 holes of championship golf and features award-winning designs that incorporate the natural landscape. Each course also has a clubhouse with social spaces, a pro shop, and dining areas that make it convenient for players to relax in between games.
Request more information about Ocean Ridge Plantation.
4. Compass Pointe – Leland, NC
Low $400s – Low $900s
Retirees who love golf and are looking for resort-style living within the Coastal Carolinas should check out Compass Pointe in Leland, NC. This private active lifestyle community is just 10 minutes from Wilmington and offers numerous world-class amenities and a top-notch golf course.
The community is home to Compass Pointe Golf Club, which has an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Rick Robbins, a North Carolina native and former president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The course, which opened in 2016, features native Carolina landscaping and undulating terrain perfect for every skill level.
The course seamlessly blends challenging golf with scenic natural beauty. The golf club also features a professional driving range, a short game practice area, a lighted putting green, and an 18-hole putting course.
